The Barns-Brinton House marks 300 years

The Barns-Brinton House is the focus of a year-long celebration for its 300th anniversary.

By Gene Pisasale

Correspondent

This year is a very special
one for the Chadds Ford Historical Society and local history buffs.

The society has several
events scheduled to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the
Barns-Brinton House (circa 1714). This structure, which sits near
Baltimore Pike in Chadds Ford, has been attracting attention from
drivers for many years as they pass by. The striking Flemish
bond-style red brick home also served as a tavern before our nation
was in its formative stages.

The story of the
Barns-Brinton house began when blacksmith William Barns foresaw the
need for a tavern on “ye Great Road to Nottingham,” then a major
thoroughfare between Philadelphia and Maryland. In 1714, Barns
constructed a large building that was to serve as his home and also
as a tavern. Barns received his tavern license in 1722 and operated
the business until his death in 1731.

The house changed owners
several times after Barns’ passing. In 1753, the house and farmland
were purchased by James Brinton, grandson of one of the earliest
settlers in the region.

After the Historical Society
began operations in 1968, members noted that several local structures
were threatened with closure and demolition. Both the John Chads
House and the Barns-Brinton House were purchased by the society and
restored to their Colonial-era splendor.

The latter structure was made
famous in more recent years when artist Barclay Rubincam painted
“Hessians Marching Past the Barns-Brinton House At the Battle of
Brandywine” in 1976. This masterpiece now hangs inside the Chadds
Ford Historical Society and will be a centerpiece of the celebration.

The society will have an
exhibit dedicated to the Barns-Brinton House, where visitors can
learn more about its heritage. There will be a lecture panel at the
Brandywine River Museum on Sept. 27 which highlights local artists
who have portrayed the Barns-Brinton House in their work. Throughout
the fall, a series of Colonial dinners with authentic foods are
planned at the house. All these events are open to the public.